AI and the legal profession
BBC News looks at artificial intelligence and the legal profession.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “At present, and probably into the distant future, AI will be unable to fully replace the function of legal expertise provided by legally qualified professionals.
"This is because clients have different needs and vulnerabilities which a machine cannot yet master, and human judgement is needed to ensure that automated decisions do not result in potential false positives. There is also an art in negotiation and ultimately, bargaining that AI is unlikely to master."
EU equality laws
Sky News and others speak to Max Winthrop, chair of our employment law committee, about news that the government has announced plans to reinstate EU equality laws before they expire at the end of the year.
Management companies
Dona Awano, from our conveyancing and land law committee, spoke to BBC South East Today (from 09:54) about the issues that some people have encountered with property management companies.
CILEX proposals are misguided and fail to consider the wider regulatory context
Local Government Lawyer, Today’s Wills and Probate, Today’s Conveyancer and Today’s Family Lawyer all report our response to the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX’s) proposals for changes to the regulation of chartered legal executives.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “There are serious issues with the proposals, which are unsupported by evidence that they will benefit the public and do not consider the wider regulatory context or the serious negative impact these changes will have on solicitors and chartered legal executives.
“CILEX’s key driver appears to be raising the status of CILEX lawyers to be on the same plane as solicitors or barristers – the two most comprehensively qualified legal professions.
“This is not something that can be achieved by sharing the same regulator with the solicitor profession, or by rebranding as chartered lawyers.”
Reoffending statistics
The Star continues coverage of reoffending statistics. Yorkshire and the Humber had a reoffending rate of 27.3%.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “Reoffending is yet another issue that is impacted by systemic underfunding of the criminal justice system.
“To succeed in reducing reoffending rates, there needs to be investment in rehabilitation, particularly in relation to literacy and addiction, and support for those who have offended because of reasons connected with their mental health.
“This investment is likely to pay for itself in terms of reduced crime, reduced numbers of cases coming into the courts and reduced pressure on prisons. It needs to be one part of an overall strategy of investing effectively throughout the system to create a justice system fit for the 21st century.”
Global legal centre report
Solicitors Journal covers our recent report which has found that London is the most attractive centre for commercial litigation and international arbitration.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “The UK is currently the second largest market for legal services globally. It is recognised and respected the world over because of the stability and quality of our courts, our laws and legal professionals.
“Our report shows that in an increasingly competitive global market, London’s commercial courts continue to thrive. English law is the governing law of choice in international transactions and a vital asset to the UK’s economy.”
Pro Bono Week 2023
Commercial Dispute Resolution, Legal Cheek and Today’s Wills & Probate cover the start of Pro Bono Week.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “The Law Society is once again happy to be taking part in a celebration that amplifies those involved in pro bono work and encourages other members of the legal profession to join. Pro bono has a huge impact on the lives of others by ensuring that people have access to justice no matter what their circumstances may be.
“This year, the Law Society is hosting an invitation-only roundtable along with LawWorks about our Major Incidents Response Plan – a project that was developed after the Grenfell tower tragedy which aims to provide emergency pro bono aid for those involved in significant incidents. I will be chairing this event and look forward to discussing this important piece of work with key stakeholders.”
Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board
The Law Society is mentioned in a Gazette report about the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board (CLAAB).
Her Honour Judge Deborah Taylor, appointed by the government in July to lead the new body, told defence practitioners ‘this is not going to be just another talking shop, not on my watch’.
Honorary doctorate
FE News reports that I. Stephanie Boyce, a former Law Society president, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Law in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal industry.
Property exchange protocol
The Negotiator reports on our consultation on the property exchange protocol.
Also worth a read:
- IBA Paris 2023 highlights – Gazette
- Scepticism over environmental, social and governance commitments – Legal Futures
- Post Office Inquiry to resume – Gazette
- King’s Speech – BBC & Guardian